What pilots watch to choose?

Dear enthusiasts,

I am in doubt as to what Pilot's watch to buy. I am currently thinking about these three:

During my vacation in New Zealand, Andrew from the Partridge jeweler shop in Wellington was so kind as to let me try on the 3717 which I like very much. I think it is a nice size for my wrist and the other 2 are comparable in size.

A few observations thus far:
a) Whereas the 3717 and the newer 3777 use Valjoux movements the 3878 uses a IWC made movement. This however reflects itself in;
b) price, if we index the price of the 3717 on 100 I think the 3777 will be around 120 and the 3878 will be around 200
c) The Spitfire only records up to 1 hour with the chronograph whereas the other 2 record up to 12 hours
d) What do you guys think about the look of the dials? I very much like the spitfire with the inside of the dial lying a bit higher (or lower?) than the rest of the dial. The dial of the 3777 looks a bit cluttered in my opinion compared to the 3717. I like the fact that both the 3713 and the 3777 display both day of the week and date instead of just the date.

Any other comments or observations that would help me choose would be very much appreciated!

Kind regards,

Waimar

Edit: My apologies for the poor quality of the picture, it was made with a phone

For me, an everyday watch, preferably, needs both day and date display and be anti-magnetic (my 3706). IWC watches with this function are all (correct me if I am wrong) in conjunction with chronograph movements. Also for me, chronographs should have capability to record 12 hours. I am increasingly being attracted to the Doppel 3778, which is a massive beast with very attractive dial and BP style strap, even though I don't need the split second timing function. However, the SS braclet with the 3717 & 3777 is very practicable for hot and humid summers.
Life's decisions are not easy!

Hi Waimar,

I did not start off as a big fan of 'pilot' watches, but being exposed to IWC's designs, I must say some are absolutely 'must-haves' for me.

Personally, the dial aside - and there are many beautiful variations - the different case sizings (the recent ones being 42 mm to 46 mm) alone make for great selection -- some to me are 'must-haves'.

I personally feel each different case size gives a very different flavor and tell a different story. For that reason, the 39mm ceramic 3705 and the steel 3706, the first automatic pilot chronographs, are to me great collectibles, as the 'mothers' of the pilot chrono series.

sorry, I realize this is not very useful :( that is my personal experience, and I would advise choosing the one that sings to you the most.

You cannot go wrong with any of the three in your picture.

However, if you like the triple date that might exclude one watch.

waimar, i haven't yet had a chance to try all of these watches. but personally i think the spitfire chronograph looks quite unique with its grey dial, brown strap, and 'simplier' dial. it's a true stand-out between the very many chronographs out there (and especially ones from other manufacturers which are very busy just for the sake of it). the spitfire to me adds that extra elegance. good luck! thang

I agree with Thang! The Spitfire chrono is my favorite of the new pilot watches, and I think it is destined to be a favorite on this forum.

Hello Waimar,

I am also looking for a pilot watch, with a portuguese automatic a close second. For me a date field that is easy to read with out glasses is a desirable feature. My preference would be for one with a stainless steel bracelet which the middle watch (and now I know spitfire has as an option), though if you ask my wife she prefers me in leather : )

The dials of the first two I find well balanced, very uniform and well laid out, though still trying to come to terms with watches with the elongated date field. I like to see that date at a glance. I am not sure what I would use a chronograph for. Timing flights that I am on, how long it takes to get a drink at a restaurant or bar, timing different routes home. The latter two less than an hour.

An in house movement is also another desirable feature, more of the watch is IWC for me. Though my heart is on a gold pilot or one with a s/s bracelet. I live in a climate that is predominately cool to cold, though in summer the temperatures can rise into the high thirties and low forties and the humidity can be a bit of a bother on some days as well. There you go, two watches, one for summer and another for winter. Waimar, what sort of climates do you experience?

(went to IWC website to check out the pilots)

Waimar, I do not know whether to thank you or say bother you, my heart was set on a IW377704 or a IW371713, though now I find myself throwing a s/s or gold spitfire into the mix for my future selection. I will have to ask my wife, she has better taste than I. A s/s spitfire with a s/s bracelet could fit the bill. Off to the AD this weekend, to check out their spitfire selection. Bother, here I go again, all when I thought I had found a solution and had all the boxes ticked.

Happy hunting,

Paul.

Hi Waimar,

Taste is very personal and may differ alot from individual to individual.

I am more to the minimalistic side, like the dials as simple as possible and very much agree with Shing regarding 3705 and 3706 as being the paradigm of pilot watches.

Should I choose from todays selection I would definitely opt for the 3717 with a black leather strap, the classic setup IMHO. The Spitfire Chrono is too much bling to my taste.

The new Ceramic Top Gun watches have been improved upon IMHO by excluding the Top Gun logo on the side of the case. Think they are interesting as a contemporary example of the Pilot watch and as a fine substitute to the LE 3786 (that I am lucky to have myself).

Regards
Mike

Hi Mike

The classic 3717 is my favourite from these three. The dimensions are absolutely perfect. When analyzing what it can offer - there is nothing missing and I feel that although this is an unlimited edition it will be a future icon.

I agree with you, Andrew, the 3717 seems very much in balance, possibly a future 3706.

Regards

Mike

Hello Waimar,

I showed my wife your pics and others this morning and her valued opinion is with the IW3878 and would like to see it on me. I like the IW3717 more like aircraft I have worked on. The IW3777 I find confusing, too much date information going by pictures though would like to see first hand when they arrive in Australia around July - September. She likes leather and not stainless steel bracelets, I am the opposite. I should probably be a politician in a future life for sitting on the fence so well. So it depends on your climate, what looks nice (leather) and if your desire functionality (stainless steel).

Though I would be interested to know which would retain its value best.

Kind regards,

Paul.

I'm a Spitfire fan myself. My 3706 and Mark XVI are two of my favorite watches.

I like the applied markers and the somewhat Art Deco character of the dial.

In fact, I have a Spitfire 3717 coming and will probably be adding a 3878 on a bracelet to fill out my Spitfire collection.

Frank, I admire you collection Family/criteria.

Hi Waimar ! Here are my 3717.The pilot chrono with steel bracelet & Spitfire chrono.HAPPY HUNTING !

Waimar:

Appreciate the nice 3 model comparison pic. Recently, I too was in the position of making a choice between a 3717 & 3777. After many hours of weighing Pro's and Con's, the 3717 was the winner and I am absolutely thrilled with my decision.

I agree with you that the 3777 is to cluttered. Many have already spoke about the perfect balance, layout and size of the 3717. Additionally, there are some very nice strap/bracelet options to "Mix Up" the look of the 3717.

Suggestion...should you go with the 3717 don't wait much longer. If you want NIB, inventory will soon be gone. I acquired mine right after I saw the changes in the replacement 3777.

As far as the new Spitfire Chrono....KILLER!!! I like it so much that it too is on order. I view the Spitfire to be my "dressier" pilot. With the Ardoise - layered dial and tan strap it should show beautifully. Keep in mind that the new Spitfire will be around for a number of years, so one can budget accordingly if necessary.

Wishing you the best in all your IWC decisions,

Andy

Very many thanks to everybody!
When I had a look this morning I was pretty overwhelmed to see so much input!

I very much like the clean design on the Spitfire but, seen as it is probably almost twice the price, I am taking into consideration a point very well made by Andy. The Spitfire will probably be for sale for the next few years, whereas the 3717, towards which I am gravitating more with every passing day, won't be for sale much longer.

Paul, I am very sorry for "throwing the Spitfire into the mix" and making you doubt the decisions you already made and maybe even un-check some boxes :)

Dave, you have done to me what I might have done to Paul. Although I think the pilots watches look better on leather bracelets, you make a very good point in favor of practicality. I can imagine the stainless steel bracelets being more comfortable in humid or hot climates. Since I am living in The Netherlands, this won't be that much of a problem for me though, but still a point very well made and which I will be sure to keep in mind.

Shing, you made me un-check some of my own boxes. I was pretty sure I would start my IWC collection by obtaining one of the three pieces in the picture I posted. That is, until you threw the 3706 in there :) I looked it up and it is very beautiful indeed. It is a bit small for my taste but I would have to try it on to make a well weighted choice. Does anyone know a AD in The Netherlands which is selling one?

Ok, back to work for me. Thanks for all your comments!

Waimar

Edit: and the many very nice pictures!

Buy the 3717 for the following reason, it's the cheapest and like for like you can add the bracelet in all probability for a cheaper price than the new bracelet.
If you want to buy the bracelet model from the start then the model no is IW371704.
The silver dial variants (previous Spitfire chrono) does not have the contrast in daylight IMO that the 3717 does and for that reason I decided it ruled itself out. What ever you decide though you hopefully will be one happy chappy!

I most definitely will be!
Thanks for honoring this discussion with you 1000th post :)
And for being straight out in favor of one option.

Waimar

Sorry i have no idea about pilots,
May be they use special watches, as I never see any watch wear pilot.

Just wanted to let you guys know that I am now seriously considering buying a second hand ref 3706 including a watch winder and on a metal bracelet. Any ideas on how I should sell the bracelet and get a leather one? I don't particularly like the metal bracelet...

Waimar

Waimar, perhaps you wouldn't get much for a second hand bracelet so may be worth keeping it to wear in hot, humid conditions and buy a leather strap via an AD, together with a strap changing tool.